Canon Announces 2.2 Megapixel Optura 30 and Optura 40, Fighting the Low Light Fight

by Robin Liss

Published on Apr 20, 2004 12:00 AM
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Canon has announced two new feature rich MiniDV mid range priced camcorders, the Optura 30 and the Optura 40 designed to fight the Megapixel and low light performance war. The camcorder feature very large 2.2 Megapixel 1/3.4 in. CCDs, and a new low light chip which Canon says improves their low light performance - a feature that has been lacking on many past Canon models. The new models also feature some manual control options rarely seen in camcorders in this price range.

The Optura 40
The new Optura 30 and Optura 40 are priced at $899 and $999 respectively. The two new models feature a 'low noise signal processing IC chip' which Canon says will improve the low light performance of these models. The two camcorders also feature fairly large 1/3.4 in.CCDs, typically larger CCDs result in better low light performance. The CCDs feature a large 1.2 million effective pixels for video and 2 million effective pixels for stills. The 1.2 effective pixels for video is a very impressive number, the only camcorder which has more effective pixels for video on the market is the Sony DCR-PC330, priced around $1,700. The Sony DCR-HC85 (Review, Specs, $593), which produces a very sharp image and is priced at $999 has just over 1 million effective pixels for video. The large number of effective pixels for video could mean that the Optura 30 and Optura 40 produce a very sharp image.

Both the Optura 30 and the Optura 40 include Canon's RGB Primary color filter, which according to Canon's web site ''...separates light passing through the lens into their true red, green and blue color components. The result is professional-quality images that deliver natural-looking tones and superior color rendition.'' The Optura's will be closely competing with Panasonic's PV-GS120 (Review, Specs, $479) and PV-GS200 (Review, Specs, Recent News, $1299), priced at $700 and $1,000 respectively. The PV-GS120 and PV-GS200 work to achieve accurate color reproduction by using 3 CCDs, one dedicated for red, green and blue - a feature found on professional camcorders. The Canon RGB color filter will have to directly compete with Panasonic's 3 CCD technology with regards to video performance, as the Optura 30 and Optura 40 fall in the same price category as the Panasonic low end 3 CCD camcorders.

The other major selling point on these two models is the still capability. Each of the new Optura's feature a 2.2 Megapixel CCD producing 1,632 x 1,224 pixel resolution stills, recorded to SD cards. Canon is calling the combination of still features included on the new Optura's 'DV Photo Plus.' Canon markets DV Photo Plus as ''unleashes the full digital imaging power of your Canon Megapixel camcorder, promising a superior level of clarity, color and excellence for video and photos,' according to the Canon web site. The concept combines the idea that Canon's experience in lens production, Megapixel CCDs, Canon's DiGiC DV color processing chip, along with their Print and Share feature. The Print and Share feature allows you to transfer your stills from your camcorder to your computer or print your stills directly to a compatible printer with the touch of one button.

The Optura 30 features a 12x optical zoom while the Optura 40 features a 14x optical zoom. Both models include 2.5 in.LCD screens and color viewfinders. The Optura 30 and 40 also feature what Canon calls a 'High Resolution 16:9' recording feature which uses the extra pixels on the chip to produce a 16:9 image which utilizes the full resolution of the NTSC signal, instead of just stretching the image or letterboxing it.

The new camcorders also feature an impressive grouping of manual control options. Both camcorders include a manual focus ring, and the Optura 40 includes manual audio control, which allows you to adjust the audio recording level of the camcorder. The manual audio control is very unique for camcorders in this price range, and a new feature for Canon mid range products. The Optura 40 also includes the option to monitor your audio levels on the LCD screen while shooting, another feature that is unique in this price range. The camcorders also include a neutral density filter, another feature not typically found in camcorders in this price range.

Both camcorders include Firewire and USB 2.0 jacks for connection to a computer. Both camcorders feature dedicated microphone in and headphone out jacks, as well as an S-Video jack and an RCA video jack. The new Optura 30 and Optura 40 also include Canon's Advanced Accessory Shoe for connecting and powering external accessories made by Canon.

Both camcorders also feature the ability to be used as a web cam, and a new stitch assist feature to help in making panoramic images. Both camcorders come with Pinnacle Studio 9SE video editing software, as well as Pinnacle's photo album software. The Optura 30 includes Super Night Mode for recording low light situations with a shutter and the assistance of an LED, while the Optura 40 includes this feature with an additional option to constantly record with the LED.

The Optura 30 and Optura 40 will be available in late May for $899 and $999.